Newly discovered genes and their role in obesity
Newly discovered genes and their role in obesity
Newly Discovered Genes Shed Light on the Complexity of Obesity
Aug. 8, 2023 – In a groundbreaking study, researchers have identified specific genes that could explain the differences in body fat distribution between men and women with obesity. Furthermore, the study also revealed why some individuals tend to gain excess weight during childhood. This discovery adds to the growing body of evidence that biology plays a crucial role in driving obesity. The researchers hope that these findings will pave the way for effective treatments. In the meantime, it highlights the fact that there are various types of obesity, resulting from a combination of genetic factors and environmental influences.
Although this study is not the first to point to specific genes, the researchers were surprised by the proposed functions of some of the identified genes. Lena R. Kaisinger, the lead study investigator, explained that these genes also manage cell death and influence how cells respond to DNA damage. The study opens up new avenues for future research, as scientists are still unsure why genes involved in body size perform these additional roles.
The gene sequencing study was published online in the journal Cell Genomics, offering valuable insights into the complexity of obesity and its underlying genetic factors.
Differences Between Women and Men
Next time you want to impress someone with your scientific knowledge, here’s a fun fact to share: researchers have recently discovered five new genes in females and two new genes in males that are linked to a higher body mass index (BMI). These genes have intriguing names like DIDO1, KIAA1109, MC4R, PTPRG, and SLC12A5 in women, and MC4R and SLTM in men. Interestingly, the study also found that individuals who recall having obesity as a child were more likely to have rare genetic changes in two other genes, namely OBSCN and MADD.
Dr. Lee Kaplan, the director of the Obesity and Metabolism Institute in Boston, who was not involved in the research, emphasized the significance of these findings. He noted that when real genes with real names are discovered and associated with obesity, it truly reinforces the idea that genetics play a fundamental role in this complex condition.
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To uncover these significant genetic differences between genders, Lena R. Kaisinger and her colleagues studied the genomes of approximately 420,000 people stored in the UK Biobank, a massive biomedical database. They focused on analyzing genes by sex and age, as these are two key areas that still require further exploration. Different types of obesity are known to be connected to different age groups. By identifying genes associated with specific subtypes of obesity and their gender-specific prevalence, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of obesity’s complexities.
The Future of Obesity Treatment
Remarkably, there already exists treatment for obesity based on a person’s genetic profile. For instance, in June 2022, the FDA approved setmelanotide (Imcivree) as a weight management medication for individuals with specific genetic markers, both in adults and children aged 6 and above.
While the approval of setmelanotide is undoubtedly a significant breakthrough, Lena R. Kaisinger acknowledges that it is still early days for translating the current research findings into clinical obesity tests and potential treatments. However, she remains optimistic about the future. The ultimate goal is to create a scenario where individuals can be screened for a particular genetic profile, and healthcare providers can offer tailored treatments based on their genetic predisposition.
Dr. Kaplan echoes this sentiment, highlighting that this is precisely what researchers aim to achieve. They envision a future where individuals can receive personalized treatment that aligns with their specific genetic profile and obesity phenotype. Such a paradigm shift would revolutionize obesity management and improve patient outcomes.
In the future, Lena R. Kaisinger and her colleagues plan to replicate this study on an even larger and more diverse population. Additionally, they intend to reverse the typical research roadmap, starting with mouse models to uncover the functions of the most promising gene candidates and understand how their dysfunction leads to obesity.
Unraveling the Genetic Puzzle of Obesity
The study linking genetics to obesity is just one piece of the ongoing puzzle in this active area of research. As scientists continue to investigate, more findings are expected to emerge, shedding light on how specific obesity types intertwine with an individual’s genetic makeup.
Stay tuned as researchers delve deeper into the intricate mechanisms behind obesity, providing valuable insights into personalized approaches to managing this complex condition.
References: 1. Cell Genomics. [Study Title]. [URL] 2. Obesity Society Website. [URL] 3. FDA. [Setmelanotide Approval Announcement]. [URL]